I'm glad he didn't pop up when Cardia was about to leave the mansion. That would've been out of character. Instead, he had to track her down and rescue her. I enjoyed their dynamic - one tracking/chasing the other. I don't think I would've liked Cardia constantly running after Van if he was a different type of character. Poor Van had to go through a lot and in the end did not want to get too close to anyone.
Except that he did. He also didn't just simply leave to exact his revenge. He could've left on his own without telling anyone, but he goes back just so he can say goodbye to Cardia. To me, those parts where he couldn't just turn his back on her, were one of the best ones. When he thanked Cardia, when he told her she was precious to him and when he finally told her that he loved her - as much as I wanted them to have a proper kiss CG, those were better.
He tried desperately, time and time again, to push her away. But the more she refused to give up, the more conflicted he was. The moment he told her that he didn't need her, only to tell her how precious she was moments later; and that was all because Cardia refused to give up and told him everything to the point where he couldn't just ignore her.
I usually go for bad endings first so I can finish the routes on a happy note. And man, oh man, his bad end almost destroyed me. He could've died not telling her that he loved her, but he couldn't - he had to tell her. In the end Cardia did manage to save him.
His true ending was really lovely. Not only did he finally admit his feelings, that dance CG was perfection. And that he was still intent on finding a cure for Cardia made me happy.
That and his extra scene CG...that was the best CG of them all.
I expected Van to be all flustered after admitting his feelings and starting a relationship with Cardia. It's the typical trope - the cold, aloof guy is actually flustered and clueless around someone he likes. But, Van is 100% shameless and direct and I love it.